Zampa Ready for Big Wickets Despite Feeling Below His Best in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

Ready to Deliver Big Wickets Despite Feeling Below His Best

Australian spinner Adam Zampa acknowledges that he hasn't been at his peak performance during the Champions Trophy. However, he remains confident in his ability to deliver crucial wickets in the upcoming semi-final against India on Tuesday.

Zampa's contributions in the group stage included taking 2-48 against Afghanistan and 2-64 in the victory over England. These performances helped propel Australia into the tournament's final four.

The veteran leg-spinner could prove instrumental in Australia's quest for victory in Dubai. India, who opted not to play in co-host Pakistan, won all three of their group matches on spin-friendly wickets in Dubai.

"Personally, I don't think I'm bowling quite at my best," Zampa admitted. "But I like to think the beauty about me is that even when I'm not feeling great out there, I can still contribute and take those big wickets."

"I'm working on some things to hopefully get back to my best," he added. "But as I said, the ability to still do a job for the team and get those big wickets is still there, which to me is really important."

Following their group stage matches in Pakistan, the Australian squad flew to Dubai on Saturday. This move was made despite the possibility of needing to return to Pakistan for the second semi-final, depending on the outcome of the India-New Zealand group match.

India's 44-run victory over New Zealand on Sunday confirmed Australia's stay in Dubai. Meanwhile, South Africa will face New Zealand in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday.

The International Cricket Council has faced criticism for the tournament's scheduling, but Zampa remained unfazed.

"We've had a bit of a hectic schedule playing a couple of games in Pakistan, back and forth in between cities," he said. "It's kind of nice to get here. We've got a great facility here at the ICC Academy, changes it up a little bit as well, so yeah, the boys are feeling OK about it."

Australia has also taken steps to address the injury of Matt Short, with all-rounder Cooper Connolly approved as his replacement in the squad. Short was ruled out due to a left quadriceps injury.

Connolly's left-arm spin could prove valuable in covering for Short's off-spin if the 21-year-old is selected against India.